"Come closer to me, Sadie," Lord Linus requested in a weak, hoarse voice tone. He smiled happily, desperately hoping that Sadie would welcome his hand.
Constance walked over stiffly and hesitantly; however, she was still unfamiliar with this situation. It's awkward. At times, often perplexed, not knowing how to react. Connie froze and did not accept Linus' hand.
"Are you okay?" Connie looked down, twisting her cold, pale fingers. She couldn't deny how anxious and traumatized Connie was when she saw Linus lying there.
"I thought you were—dead."
"Perhaps I refuse to die, thanks to you. Since you've accompanied me here, I'm much healthier. I get it; you need time to adapt." Linus sighed, cackling in thrill, not wanting to impose his will.
"Let time vanish all your doubts. Everyone in my orders will help you wherever you need. They are all my most loyal confidants. What matters is that you stay by my side. That's enough.
"Today we'll go to the hospital to do another DNA test, as you requested. Don't hesitate; if you want something or anything, just tell me or Asher."
Connie nodded, still awkwardly. "Okay."
Linus gazed at Sadie intently. "You didn't remember anything? About the past, how could you stay alive, and where have you been living all this time?"
"No, I didn't," Connie stated, bowing deeply. Then she rubbed her scarred forehead gently. "I always had trouble remembering my childhood. Only the flashback piece is not vivid.
"I've had a horrible nightmare; I heard a woman and a man screaming in terror about Sadie, as if they'd ordered me to run away and stay alive.
"I'm unsure; I had no idea. It felt like something was missing inside me, and it hurt so much. Suffering like—death—so many times."
Could it be that Sadie struck her head back then… and that's why she lost those vital childhood memories? That deep scar on her forehead—it haunts me. What if she suffered a traumatic brain injury?
I'll find out what happened to you in the past, my child. I'll swear to God, Morelli will be destroyed in my hand. How dare he mess with you?
First, I have to hide your true identity from the public to protect your life. You look too much like Andromeda. I can't lock you away somewhere either—I don't want to break your trust or make you hate me even more, Sadie.
So, the only way… is to alter your appearance slightly. No one should recognize you. Until the APEX ZERO finally comes.
Linus' eyebrows are narrowed. Hearing that made him suffer from great anxiety. "This is worrisome; I think you should see a psychiatrist. I know someone. He's the best. Maybe it can help heal the trauma you experienced and trace your lost memory."
Connie remained silent. She mumbled in her head. I couldn't believe in myself. Why did I tell him about this? Nobody will fathom my suffering.
"We have a lot of time for accepting and knowing each other. No need to rush; I'm sorry. Forgive me for all my sins to you. I just want to know everything about you," Linus sighed deeply, changing this deadpan conversation.
"Before we leave, can I ask you something, my child?"
This time Connie stared at Linus innocently. "What is it?"
Linus smiled widely, saying somewhat pleadingly, "Take me up to the car. I want to hold your hand if you don't mind. Asher has prepared everything."
Connie's eyes flashed with emotion. "Then will you tell me about my parents?"
Now, seeing you wanted to look at me, I'm so grateful, Sadie. It's a good step. I hope we can start and continue to fix what is missing between us.
"Deal," Linus nodded in agreement. He cracked a fabulous smile. "It's gonna be a fun and long trip later."
***
"Your medical checkup is complete. You can wait for the two tests, Lord Kaiser. You can pick up the results this afternoon. I'll be back to see you soon," Dr. Davies smiled as he left to finish his work.
In addition to pulling strands of her own hair, Connie also gave a sample of her blood.
She wanted to witness the truth for herself—with no outside interference, no more doubts. Connie massaged her arm, which felt numb after the injection of a blood sample from a vein in her hand.
"Thanks, Dr. Davies," Linus responded with relief. Making sure Dr. Davies left the lab room, Linus walked over to Sadie and clasped her hand gently. "Are you good?"
Connie rubbed the cold nape of her neck, her brows furrowed in mystification. "I thought the DNA test results took 3–7 days?"
Asher replied, laughing simply. "As this is an emergency matter for the Kaiser. You don't have to think about it, Lady."
Connie realized how powerful the Kaiser family's influence was. This is only the beginning of what she saw.
"Let's take a walk to the park and continue your parents' story, my dear." Linus added, Connie's warm grip on his hand seemed to give him an injection of energy, flowing throughout his soul.
***
The garden was grand and magnificent.
The cool breeze fluttered Constance's vermilion red hair in a half ponytail. Beneath a giant red oak tree whose branches swayed and shaded. The artificial garden that people say is the healing garden.
Green grass and many species of brightly colored, adorable, vibrant flowers were scattered throughout the garden.
"Like mother, like daughter, as if I feel her presence here with us. You're similar to her. As you know and see—like, perfectly twins." Linus stated cheerfully, his eyes narrowed, hiding the happiness behind his glasses.
"She's sweet. On her 25th birthday, your father rented out the Éclat Godiva café, giving her all of Andromeda's favorite desserts.
"That's when your mom decided to celebrate with all the staff, employees, business relations, and children with cancer and share it with the homeless on the streets."
Connie imagined in her mind that this time she could dream of her parents' faces vividly shining and smiling warmly at her. "That's why so many people loved them."
And envy their perfection.
Linus nodded. "Andromeda has a noble heart. She's so kind to everyone. She has vibes as bright as the sun, a warmth that she passes on to those around her.
"Your parents were brilliant and genius-minded. They were role models in the business world—one of the most successful couples across industries, known for breakthroughs in innovation and technology. They once ranked as the second wealthiest couple in the world.
"You too, as you're their only flesh and blood, my child."
Constance just smiled briefly at the many things and life stories she had heard about her parents. The cool breeze once again hit her hair that glistened in the sunlight. She had no idea; there was just a hint of pride in her heart.
Although they were separated, and Connie didn't know exactly what caused it, for the first time, she felt so grateful to have been born to great parents like Andromeda and Reiner.
I wish you were still alive. I would trade anything to see you, even for a moment.
Once again, Linus grasped Connie's fingers. Smiling broadly. "I'm so grateful that you're here with me. My beloved Sadie, I promise to restore all the time that has been lost."
"I wish to visit their resting place. When can you take me, Lord Linus?" Connie was not expecting the hopeful voice in her tone.
"Grandpa, say it: after you're sure about who you are, forgive all my sins." Linus glanced at Asher in order to prepare for his journey.
"Yes, my lord." Asher nodded with a fabulous smile. "We can leave tomorrow."
Linus gives a fabulous smile. "Remember it. I'll wait, for as long as it takes, until the day you're ready to call me as a family. Time means nothing to me, my dearest grandchild."
***